Oyo Assembly Calls for Public Toilets in Commercial Areas

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the state government to formulate a policy that mandates owners of major commercial properties in the Ibadan metropolis to provide access to hygienic public toilet facilities. This resolution, adopted following a motion sponsored by Hon.

Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi, aims to address the public health challenges posed by open defecation, which exposes residents to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. The assembly acknowledged the efforts of the state government and relevant agencies in promoting environmental sanitation but noted the ongoing shortage of accessible public toilets in commercial areas.

The lawmakers emphasized that making it mandatory for commercial property owners, including filling stations and hotels, to provide clean toilet facilities could significantly reduce open defecation. They also urged the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and RUWASSA to enforce compliance and conduct public awareness campaigns regarding the health implications of open defecation.